IFE GCC UAE Branch Update October 2023

The hot summer is now passing and as we move into the cooler winter months a focus on expanding the branch activities continues. In a blink of an eye we are now preparing for the October examinations which are to be held again at the Johnson Controls Training Academy on 9October 2023. The continued success of the exams wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support provided by Johnson Controls and in particular Jason Mather to the branch, IFE members and for staging the venue for the exams. New challenges lie ahead for the branch and IFE members and special congratulations go to Terry Johnson who will be starting a new role in Saudi Arabia as the Director Emergency Services, Neom – The Line. Terry’s experience in the Middle East will certainly be well received in KSA as project activity continues to grow. The importance of fire safety in the life cycle of a building along with the fire & emergency response to incidents are critical to the success of all projects.

Market update

The MENA region has faced specific challenges during 2023, especially as governments continue to manage economic recovery post-pandemic. Factors such as political instability, unemployment, economic uncertainty, economic relief disparity and the ongoing conflicts in countries such as Ukraine, Syria and Yemen, remain challenges to the stability and recovery of the region. The MENA region is noted as being especially vulnerable and it continues to require swift and effective reforms to prevent further financial economic impacts and to expedite recovery throughout 2023 and into 2024.

The overall outlook for the MENA region’s construction sector continues to remain optimistic, bolstered by the GCC’s improving fiscal situation as oil prices remain buoyant with significant projects being forecasted in KSA, the UAE and Egypt which are set to pave the way forward in the region.

The primary reason behind the MENA region’s construction resilience is the need to diversify and develop their economies to meet the demands of its rapidly growing population, and overall, lessen its economic reliance on finite and economically volatile fossil fuels. The pipeline of projects across the Gulf is estimated to be around USD 3.1 trillion, with the GCC equating to over 81% (USD 2.5 trillion) of this market value. The largest segment of construction projects remains in transportation infrastructure and building real estate, including the development of schools, hospitals and social infrastructure to advance existing and growing populations.

Considerable project awards in non-energy construction started in 2022 and continues this year, especially in KSA. Awards in Egypt during 2022 were up 254% and in the UAE up 62%. The Qatar market slowed down with a decline of 49% during 2022 whilst approaching the World Cup, but activity is increasing in alignment with other countries in the region. In KSA, key stakeholders in the region are focused on the expansion of its infrastructure to support the development of its PIF-led giga-project programmes. The UAE is also on an upward trend with a marked focus on the building sector and residential real estate. This indicates an upward trend in project activity post the challenges faced during the pandemic and following on from the positive impact of Expo 2020. Although following the downturn in Qatar’s project awards, the aviation sector is set to increase with ongoing Hamad International Airport terminal and cargo expansions set for 2023 and onwards. Project awards are expected to continue through 2023 and 2024 being bolstered by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Egypt’s continued commitment to infrastructure, the increased business sentiment following Expo 2020, buoyant oil prices, and the overall effect of the global economic recovery.

International General Assembly (IGA) update

The IGA enables representatives from all of the Institution’s branches around the world to convene and provide a member voice into the management of the Institution.

Due to work pressures, general IGA communication and activity has been a challenge and to fully appreciate the inner workings of the IFE to improve efficiencies is always a challenge. To be more effective the IGA leadership has drawn out a roadmap to assist in improving efficiency along with a proposed revised constitution.

At the IGA’s last meeting the draft IGA Constitution was presented and key points discussed in an open forum with a follow-up to be held on 16October 2023. The draft constitution is still not fully developed; however, it tackles previously highlighted issues and provides clarity in these matters. The draft addresses membership and the structure of meetings, which will allow IGA business to be conducted in detail with a greater focus on efficiency and decision making. To achieve these goals the IGA will need to have agreed deliverables with agreed aims and objectives.

International conference

A key focus point for sector leaders and stakeholders to come together in a collaborative format to discuss and debate the major challenges affecting fire safety, we are delighted to announce that Fire Conference returns for 2023.

Organised collaboratively between the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), Fire Protection Association (FPA), the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Fire Sector Federation (FSF), this sector-leading annual event will once again be delivered in a hybrid format, enabling delegates to attend in person or online.

This year the one-day event will be held at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in London on 17October 2023. Building on the success of last year’s conference, which saw over 400 delegates in attendance, the event will boast presentations and workshops by expert speakers from across the industry. The day will close with a networking drinks reception which will offer delegates further opportunity to learn from industry peers in a more informal setting.

IFE Strategic Plan

With recent changes within the local branch structure, it is a timely reminder to look back at the objectives of the IFE Strategic Plan. The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) is a truly global organisation connecting fire professionals and sharing expertise since 1918. The IFE is guided in all that it does by the objectives contained within the Strategic Plan 2020–24. This document highlights the strategic priorities for the period 2020–24.

Our members share a commitment to envisioning, preparing, mentoring and building for the future, ensuring that the fire profession remains relevant and valued, protecting people, property and the environment from fire.

IFE members, representing the whole spectrum of the fire sector, as well as giving to the Institution, benefit greatly from opportunities to meet, exchange views and develop professional networks and friendships on a global scale.

The IFE is a professional engineering institution (PEI) and assesses suitably qualified and experienced members for registration as Chartered Engineers, Incorporated Engineers and Engineering Technicians. It also operates a UK-based Fire Risk Register for Assessors and Auditors as well as offering examinations proving competence.

The IFE is neither a political organisation nor a trade union and it remains neutral from these areas, focussing on what science in all its disciplines can provide and do for fire engineering. It is a member-led organisation.

Strategic areas of focus

Our strategy for the period 2014–18 established six very clear strategic priorities that continue to be core to this updated strategy. These strategic areas of focus directly drive our portfolio of activities contained in our operational plans.

Facilitating Awareness: Through an international network of members, branches and special interest groups we will share knowledge, awareness and technical perspectives of fire-safety issues and developments
Fostering Professionalism: We will establish and maintain pathways and recognised standards for fire professionalism and competency.
Increasing Knowledge: Through our membership, recognitions and qualifications we aim to increase knowledge in the science, practice and professionalism of fire engineering.
Providing Independent Leadership: We will confidently promote the value and services provided by the IFE through our own independent and non-political leadership.
Promoting the IFE: Increasing the standing of the Institution and significance of membership through promotion.
Developing the Organisation: We will ensure the IFE continuously improves, remains relevant and provides value to our members and wider society through continuous development

High level targets during the first two years of the plan (2020–22) aimed to: